UK preparedness campaign’s tone risks putting people off sound advice
The article criticises the UK Government’s Be Ready campaign, which advises people to keep basic supplies in case of a national emergency. The writer argues that preparedness is sensible, but says the campaign’s tone and choice of Defence Secretary Wes Streeting as its public face could cause unnecessary alarm and make people less willing to listen.
The campaign highlights risks including natural disasters, foreign attack and cyber disruption to supermarket payments, and recommends items such as bottled water, canned food and toilet paper. The writer contrasts this advice with what he sees as gaps in the Government’s own preparedness, citing its defence spending plans, a £2 billion cut to armoured vehicle procurement and its response to illegal boat crossings. He argues that officials should trust the public’s common sense and avoid sounding patronising.
In short
- The Government urges households to prepare for emergencies.
- The writer says its messaging risks causing alarm.
- He argues ministers should show preparedness themselves.
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The case for
A government preparedness campaign can help people cope with disruptions by making practical steps clear before an emergency, when services or supplies may be harder to access. Naming a range of risks and recommending modest household essentials could prompt useful planning, and a senior minister’s involvement may signal that readiness matters across government.
The case against
Preparedness advice can lose credibility if its tone seems alarmist or patronising, especially when it highlights threats without explaining their likelihood or how the advice fits wider plans. A prominent minister fronting the campaign may also invite scrutiny of the Government’s own readiness; perceived gaps could make people less inclined to trust the message.
Explained simply
The Be Ready campaign is a UK Government effort to encourage households to keep basic supplies in case everyday services are disrupted by an emergency. Suggested items include bottled water and tinned food, which could be useful if people cannot shop or access some services for a time.
The campaign refers to possible emergencies such as severe weather, attacks from abroad or cyber disruption to supermarket payments. The article questions how the advice is presented and the choice of Defence Secretary Wes Streeting as its public face, arguing that the tone could worry people or put them off the advice.
Preparedness also depends on government planning for risks to the country. The article points to defence spending and other government decisions as part of that wider discussion, while raising the question of how officials can encourage sensible preparation without sounding patronising.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “STEPHEN DAISLEY: If ministers insist on talking down to us on disaster preparedness, they should Be Ready for folk to stop listening”.